Going back to maiden name

I am in the process of a divorce which is taking a long time as X is crap with paperwork. I have sent my marriage certificate off via the lawyer but am probably months off getting the decree nisi/absolute. In the meantime, I am trying to get established in a new career and want to use my original name as X was also in the field and his surname is unusual. I would rather people got to know me as me IYSWIM and not as X's former wife.

I am sure that I have read on here before that there is no formal process for reverting to using your maiden name. Some (happily) married women do use both, one professionally and one personally, I think?

You're still entitled to use your maiden name without doing anything. Some people make it official using a deed poll but you don't actually have to. You do, however, have to declare that you have been known by your married name if asked, for example for a credit check.

You need a change of name deed to change your name on official documents, eg passport, driving license, bank accounts etc. Fir all other purposes you need only tell people who know you that you have a new name.

This website gives details of what's required to change a passport back to your maiden name. You need your birth certificate, a document (or documents) showing your name history such as a marriage certificate and a signed statement stating that you have gone back to your maiden name for all purposes.